Pair accused of stealing from church flood shelter

DENHAM SPRINGS – Deputies in Livingston Parish say two people have been arrested for stealing from a church that was converted to a flood relief shelter.

According to Sheriff Jason Ard, 33-year-old Leslie Burch and 36-year-old Robert Johnson distracted church volunteers then stole two purses from the Chris Community Church shelter and distribution center. The pair told volunteers that someone had fallen ill and needed immediate attention in another part of the building.

Ard said Livingston Parish deputies were able to recover both stolen purses and the items inside. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

Both individuals were charged with two counts of possession of stolen things, possession of marijuana and theft of a firearm. Burch was also charged with felony theft. Johnson was also charged with driving under suspension and without insurance.